Distributed generation of a coupon using a game of chance, a random number generator and a payout table to determine the value of the coupon

ABSTRACT

Coupons are electronically delivered by a coupon generating subsystem to a plurality of mobile devices via gaming sessions experienced on the mobile devices. A memory of the coupon generating subsystem stores a set of rules associated with delivery of the coupons from the coupon generating subsystem to the mobile devices, wherein the set of rules include a payout table that determines the value of coupons that are delivered. A gaming session is initiated on one of the mobile devices when the mobile device is within a broadcast range of the coupon generating subsystem. The gaming session uses a random number generator and a central processing unit of the coupon generating subsystem to generate a result for the game of chance using the payout table in the memory. The result determines the value of a coupon to be electronically delivered via the coupon generating subsystem to the mobile device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/326,740 filed Jul. 9, 2014, the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference herein.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/844,363 entitled “System and Method for distributed Generation ofRandomized Coupons” by Gavin Shenker et al., filed Jul. 9, 2013, whichis incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retailers and manufacturers frequently sponsor promotions that involvediscounts, prizes, limited stock product distribution, etc. Theseprograms are central to marketing efforts by the retailers andmanufacturers to incent consumers to make specific purchases, visitparticular retail locations, etc. Many of these promotions rely on papercoupons to serve as the proof that a consumer is entitled to receive theafore-mentioned promotion. With the advent of the Internet and mobiletechnology, many paper-based promotions are transitioning to digitalsystems where the coupons related to the promotions are generateddigitally.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate various embodiments and, together withthe Description of Embodiments, serve to explain principles discussedbelow. The drawings referred to in this brief description should not beunderstood as being drawn to scale unless specifically noted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a microprocessor platform in accordancewith an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the operable interconnectionsbetween a coupon management system, and at least one microprocessorplatform in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3a is a chart depicting the set-up of a marketing campaign inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3b is a flowchart of the setup of a marketing campaign inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4a is a sequence diagram depicting consumer interactions toretrieve coupons from the coupon generating subsystem in accordance withan embodiment.

FIG. 4b is a flowchart for retrieving coupons from the coupon generatingsubsystem in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5a is a chart depicting the verification of a generated coupon inthe coupon management system in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5b is a flowchart depicting the verification of a generated couponin accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the subjectmatter, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.While the subject matter discussed herein will be described inconjunction with various embodiments, it will be understood that theyare not intended to limit the subject matter to these embodiments. Onthe contrary, the presented embodiments are intended to coveralternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the various embodiments as defined by theappended claims. Furthermore, in the Description of Embodiments,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of embodiments of the present subject matter. However,embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits havenot been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects ofthe described embodiments.

A distributed generation of coupons system and method is described. Oneexample develops a campaign having a set of rules at a campaignmanagement system. In addition, a communication channel is establishedbetween the campaign management system and a coupon generatingsubsystem. The campaign having a set of rules is provided from thecampaign management system to the coupon generating subsystem via thecommunication channel. The coupon generating subsystem is authorized toindependently generate a coupon based on the set of rules of thecampaign without requiring communication between the coupon generatingsubsystem and the campaign management system.

Notation and Nomenclature

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present Descriptionof Embodiments, discussions utilizing terms such as “selecting”,“outputting”, “inputting”, “providing”, “receiving”, “utilizing”,“obtaining”, “coupling”, “accessing”, “changing”, “correlating” or thelike, often refer to the actions and processes of an electroniccomputing device/system, such as a desktop computer, notebook computer,tablet, mobile phone, and electronic personal display, among others. Theelectronic computing device/system manipulates and transforms datarepresented as physical (electronic) quantities within the circuits,electronic registers, memories, logic, and/or components and the like ofthe electronic computing device/system into other data similarlyrepresented as physical quantities within the electronic computingdevice/system or other electronic computing devices/systems.

In general, the disclosure describes a system for operating marketingcampaigns involving a campaign management subsystem coupled with one ormore additional coupon generating subsystems responsible for generationof coupons where the coupon generating subsystems can be physicallydistributed from the central management subsystem during the generationof the coupons.

The campaign management subsystem creates campaign rules, such as, butnot limited to, the setup of the types of coupons and number of couponsto be distributed, and rules that may influence the coupon generation.For example, the rules may include randomization rules or the like. Thecampaign management subsystem is also used to set up and manage one ormore separate and distributed subsystems for secure, near real-timecoupon generation; communicate campaign and management data between thecampaign management subsystem and the coupon-generating subsystems;validate and redeem generated coupons; and monitor and manage thecoupon-generating subsystems.

The coupon-generating subsystem communicates with the campaignmanagement subsystem, generates coupons according to the campaign rules,retrieves generated coupons from the coupon-generating subsystems, andthe like.

An embodiment described herein can generate coupons in near real-time.Another embodiment includes an element of randomness in the coupongeneration process. The near real-time performance provides instantconsumer gratification involving technology. The element of randomnessaddresses the “offer fatigue” problem by introducing chance into thecoupon generation process such that a consumer may receive a highlyvaluable offer as they might in entering a contest or sweepstakes. Anembodiment also includes reasonable security mechanisms to mitigatefraud concerns that are common in digital couponing systems.

It should be noted that the term “coupon” is used throughout thisdisclosure to refer to a digital token that can be associated with anytype of marketing or incentive campaign where the campaign owner isoffering something to consumers to incent shopping behavior such aspurchasing specific products, visiting specific stores, shopping withinlimited periods of time, etc. Such tokens may also be associated withloyalty programs where a consumer is accumulating benefits for recurringpatronage of a retailer or manufacturer. Therefore, the term “coupon”should not be taken in a limiting sense.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an embodiment of acoupon generating engine 100 is shown. One embodiment of coupongenerating engine 100 includes power 101, a central processing unit(CPU) 102, a random number generator (RNG) 103, a connection for anexternal clock 104 to provide the card with a clock signal from whichdata communications timing is derived, a cryptographic coprocessor (CPT)105, an I/O port 106, random access memory (RAM) 107, electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) 108, and read onlymemory (ROM) 109. The software for coupon campaign operations can bestored and run from ROM 109 or EEPROM 108 and would rely on the supportof the RNG 103 and CPT 105 for many of the operations.

In general, coupon generating engine 100 is a dedicated computer on achip or microprocessor for carrying out cryptographic operations,embedded in a packaging with multiple physical security measures, whichgive it a degree of tamper resistance. Although a number of securemicroprocessors may be used herewith. In one embodiment, SmartMXdesigned by NXP is a microprocessor having data encryption capabilities.

I/O port 106 is a communications interface for coupon generating engine100 such as a contact interface according to ISO/IEC 7816, contactlessinterface according to ISO/IEC 14443A, serial input and output(half-duplex), USB, HDMI or other interfaces.

In one embodiment RNG 103 uses a cryptographic hash function to approacha uniform distribution of bits from a non-uniformly random source. Inanother embodiment, RNG 103 is a pseudo-RNG (PRNG) such as the linearcongruential generator. /dev/random is one example of a file that servesas a pseudorandom number generator.

In general, CPT 105 is implemented on a high-security, tamper resistant,programmable PCI board. Specialized cryptographic electronics,microprocessor, memory, and random number generator housed within atamper-responding coupon generating engine 100 provide a highly securesubsystem in which data processing and cryptography can be performed. Inone embodiment, CPT 105 is a high-speed 3-DES coprocessor (64-bitparallel), a high-speed AES coprocessor (128-bit parallel), a PKI (RSA,ECC) coprocessor FameXE (32-bit parallel) such as found on a SmartMX byNXP. However, it should be appreciated that although the SmartMX isdisclosed herein, the technology is well suited to using othercomparable technologies.

In general, CPU 102 is hardware within a computer that carries out theinstructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical,logical, and input/output operations of the system. Two components ofCPU 102 are the arithmetic logic unit for performing arithmetic andlogical operations, and the control unit for extracting instructionsfrom memory and decoding and executing them, calling on the arithmeticlogic unit when necessary. CPU 102 may be multiprocessor, multi-coreprocessors, and the like.

In one embodiment, the communication protocol for coupon generatingengine 100 may be ISO-7816 contact, ISO-14443 contactless, or both.Although a number of components are shown, it should be appreciated thatmicroprocessor platform 100 may include more or fewer components.Moreover, in an embodiment, the components described in microprocessorplatform 100 may be substituted for other components that providesimilar operational capabilities. That is, there are many other optionsfor implementations of the microprocessor platform 100 that couldinvolve other types of processors (micro or otherwise), modules,computing platforms or the like.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a distributed coupon generating system 200is shown in accordance with an embodiment. In one embodiment,distributed coupon generating system 200 includes a centrally managedcampaign management subsystem 205 that may be an Internet accessibleservice, one or more coupon generating subsystem(s) 241 (e.g., 241 a-241d), and at least one mobile device 202 with specialized applicationsoftware designed to interact with coupon generating subsystem 241 andthe campaign management subsystem 205. In one embodiment, mobile device202 is a device such as, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a tabletcomputer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a personal digitalassistant, and the like.

In one embodiment, coupon generating subsystem 241 includes a securecoupon-generating engine where coupon generation takes place. Inaddition to the coupon-generating engine 100, a coupon generatingsubsystem 241 could include one or more communication interfaces tosupport communication between the coupon generating subsystem 241 andcampaign management subsystem 205 and between the coupon generatingsubsystem 241 and mobile device 202.

In one embodiment, campaign management subsystem 205 is an Internetaccessible system that includes a human readable management interfacesuch as a web browser used to set up and control coupon campaigns, andset up and control the coupon generating subsystem 241. Campaignmanagement subsystem 205 also includes standard Internet datacommunications 210 interfaces to support communications with coupongenerating subsystem 241 and with mobile devices 202. In one embodiment,campaign management subsystem 205 also includes a dedicated securitycomponent such as a Hardware Security Module 211 that is responsible forcryptographic key storage and operations in support of securecommunication between the campaign management subsystem 205 and thecoupon-generating engine 100.

Campaign management subsystem 205 may also contain one or morecoupon-generating engine 100 s that can be used to generate coupons fordistribution directly to mobile devices.

As described herein, in one embodiment, the coupon-generating engine 100is comprised of a tamper-resistant microprocessor capable of runningmultiple, secure, software applications. In one embodiment, softwarethat governs the generation of a coupon is implemented in themicroprocessor.

Coupon-generating engine 100 also includes support for cryptographicoperations that are essential for maintaining the security and integrityof the software operations in the microprocessor and also support securedata communications with the campaign management subsystem 205. Thesecurity model for this invention relies on “end-to-end” securitybetween the campaign management subsystem 205 and coupon-generatingengine 100 where the authenticity and integrity of all communication canbe verified by either “end” (campaign management subsystem 205 orcoupon-generating engine 100). The data channel can also be encryptedend-to-end if required. This protection helps mitigate potential fraudinvolving the transmission of Campaign rules to a coupon-generatingengine 100 that were not created by the campaign management subsystem205. Implementation of end-to-end communication security and coupongeneration with signatures or similar cryptographic elements is referredto herein as secure channel.

With reference still to FIG. 2, a number of embodiments for implementinga coupon generating subsystem 241 a-241 d are shown in accordance withan embodiment. An embodiment could be implemented using a variety oftechnologies in terms of the coupon-generating engine 100 and optionalcommunication components. For example, mobile communications interface227 enables the coupon-generating engine 100 to communicate directlywith a mobile device. In contrast, communications interface 229 enablesthe coupon-generating engine 100 to communicate directly with thecampaign management subsystem 205. In yet another embodiment,coupon-generating engine 100 may be integrated directly into a mobiledevice 204 as illustrated in coupon generating subsystem 241 d. In thecase of coupon generating subsystem 241 d, the mobile device 204 isconsidered the dedicated communications capability supportingcommunications between the campaign management subsystem 205 andcoupon-generating engine 100.

Coupon generating subsystem 241 a is an embodiment of coupon-generatingengine 100 being a standalone coupon generating subsystem 241 a thatincludes coupon-generating engine 100 and an integrated ISO-14443contactless communications interface and antenna that serves as themobile communications interface 227. In one embodiment, coupongenerating subsystem 241 a communicates with a mobile device 202 thatsupports ISO-14443 communications. One such mobile device 202 device isan Android® smart phone with Near Field Communication (NFC). In general,NFC refers to is a set of standards for smartphones and similar devicesto establish radio communication with each other by touching themtogether or bringing them into proximity. NFC applications includecontactless transactions, data exchange, and simplified setup of morecomplex communications such as Wi-Fi. In another embodiment, tagcommunication refers to communication between an NFC device and anunpowered NFC chip.

NFC standards cover communications protocols and data exchange formats,and are based on radio-frequency identification (RFID) standardsincluding ISO/IEC 14443 and FeliCa, ISO/IEC 18092 and the like which aredefined by the NFC Forum.

With respect to coupon generating subsystem 241 a, mobile device 202transmits any campaign and management data on an intermittent basis fromthe campaign management subsystem 205 to the coupon-generating engine100 using mobile communications interface 227 via mobile device 202.Similarly, mobile device 202 is also used to retrieve generated couponsfrom the coupon-generating engine 100 via this mobile communicationsinterface 227 to mobile device 202 communications interface.

Coupon generating subsystem 241 b is an embodiment of a coupongenerating subsystem 241 with a number of components similar to thosedescribed in coupon generating subsystem 241 a but also includes anadditional dedicated campaign management subsystem communicationsinterface 229 such as a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile radio module. In oneembodiment, the campaign management subsystem communications interface229 is used to transmit campaign and management data from the campaignmanagement subsystem 205 to the coupon-generating engine 100 and may beinitiated by either the coupon-generating engine 100 or campaignmanagement subsystem 205.

In one embodiment, mobile device 202 is used to retrieve generatedcoupons from the coupon-generating engine 100 in the coupon generatingsubsystem 241 b via the ISO-14443 mobile communications interface 227 toNFC communications interface.

With reference to coupon generating subsystem 241 c an embodiment of acoupon generating subsystem 241 that includes a dedicated communicationscomponent 233 such as a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Cellular Radio module thatserves as both the communications interface 229 and mobilecommunications interface 227 interfaces is shown.

Coupon generating subsystem 241 d, illustrates an embodiment of theintegration of the coupon-generating engine 100 in a mobile device 204.For example, mobile device 204 supports the loading of software in thetamper resistant Subscriber Identifier Module (SIM) in which case thecoupon-generating engine 100 would be implemented within the SIM.Another embodiment hosts the coupon-generating engine 100 software in anembedded component of the mobile device 204. In yet another embodiment,coupon-generating engine 100 is implemented in a secure processingenvironment that can be plugged into an accessory slot of the mobiledevice 202 such as a microSD slot.

In one embodiment, since coupon generating subsystem 241 d is anintegrated component of a mobile device 204, communication of campaignand management data between the coupon-generating engine 100 andcampaign management subsystem 205 would typically be accomplished viathe cellular or Wi-Fi radio of the mobile device 204. In one embodiment,requesting and receiving coupons from the coupon-generating engine 100is accomplished via an application programming interface (API) invokedby a mobile software application running in the mobile device 204.

Packaging and Integration of a Coupon Generating Subsystem

In one embodiment, coupon generating subsystem 241 is built as astandalone system in many form factors such as paper-type advertisementsfor a magazine, newspaper, poster, etc. In another example, coupongenerating subsystem 241 is contained within items such as a key fob,plastic card, etc. A coupon generating subsystem 241 as described abovein coupon generating subsystem 241 a would be an example of the type ofcoupon generating subsystem 241 supporting this implementation.

In another embodiment, coupon generating subsystem 241 is electronicallyintegrated within larger systems such as a digital billboard system,home entertainment system, home appliance, automobile, etc. For theselatter examples, coupon generating subsystem 241 may be implemented in afashion similar to coupon generating subsystem 241 d where thecoupon-generating engine 100 is integrated within a larger system thatis responsible for data communications and can support the datacommunication needs of the coupon generating subsystem 241 to thecampaign management subsystem 205. Alternatively, coupon generatingsubsystem 241 may include its own dedicated communications interface 229capability, but will still be integrated electronically within thelarger system to support other type of interactions with the largersystem.

Mobile Device 202

In general, mobile device 202, and similarly mobile device 204, is atypical smart phone running an operating system. In one embodiment theoperating system is the Android® operating system. However, thetechnology is well suited to other smart phone operating systems suchas, but not limited to, iOS®, Windows Phone®, RIM Blackberry® OS etc. Itshould also be noted that the technology is platform and deviceindependent.

In general, data communication between the mobile device 202 andcampaign management subsystem 205 is typically accomplished via theintegrated cellular or Wi-Fi radios of the mobile device 202. In oneembodiment, communication between a mobile device 202 and coupongenerating subsystem 241 a and coupon generating subsystem 241 b assumesan NFC capability in the mobile device 202. In another embodiment,communication between a mobile device 202 and coupon generatingsubsystem 241 c assumes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cellular radio capability inthe mobile device 202. And as described above, communication between amobile device 202 and coupon generating subsystem 241 d would take placevia an API and application software running within the mobile device202.

As stated previously, the technology is platform and device independent.This platform and device independence also extends to the definition ofthe communication interfaces. For example, although NFC, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, and Cellular radio communication are cited as communicationinterface examples, other communications interfaces capable oftransmitting the desired data between the subsystems may be utilized.For example, in place of NFC, sound waves, light waves and the like maybe used to carry coupon-retrieval communication between the mobiledevice 202 and coupon generating subsystem 241 if both wereappropriately implemented and configured. One of a plurality of possiblesound wave communications examples is Zoosh® by Naratte®, which canprovide secure, short-range, point-to-point communication overultrasonic sound waves.

Campaign Setup

Referring now to FIG. 3a , a sequence diagram 300 depicting the set up amarketing campaign is shown in accordance with an embodiment. In oneembodiment, campaign owner is a business owner who desires to run acampaign involving one or more of the coupon generating subsystem 241a-241 d. Additionally, the mobile device 202 of FIG. 2 is assumed to beunder the control of the campaign owner 310. The mobile device 202 inthis sequence is used to activate coupon generating subsystems that donot include a dedicated network communication capability.

Referring also to FIG. 3b , a flowchart 350 of the setup of a marketingcampaign is shown in accordance with an embodiment. At 355 of FIG. 3b ,one embodiment develops a campaign having a set of rules at a campaignmanagement system. At 360 of FIG. 3b , one embodiment establishes acommunication channel between the campaign management system and acoupon generating subsystem.

For example, with reference again to FIG. 3a , at 2.1 the campaign owner310 interacts with the campaign definer module 215 of the campaignmanagement subsystem 205 to set the types of a coupon that will beoffered, and the rules involving the distribution of those coupons. Forexample, the campaign owner 310 may want to offer a very small number ofhigh value coupons per coupon generating subsystem 241 or across theentire set of coupon generating subsystem 241 used in the campaign.Moreover, in a random reward embodiment, the campaign owner willdetermine odds that will affect the randomized behavior of the coupongeneration.

In Step 2.2, the campaign owner 310 determines which coupon generatingsubsystem 241 will participate in the Campaign. In this case, it isassumed that there is at least one instance of each of the coupongenerating subsystem 241 a-241 d types that will be used for theCampaign. The campaign owner 310 sets this selection using the coupongenerating subsystem selection module 220 of the campaign managementsubsystem 205. Steps 2.3 to 2.6 involve the campaign activation module225 according to the campaign owner's preferences as established inSteps 2.1 and 2.2.

For example, creating campaigns includes, in part, the creation ofcampaign rules related to the set up of the types of a coupon and numberof a coupon to be distributed, and rules that may involve randomness inthe coupon generation. Campaign creation also involves theidentification of which coupon generating subsystem 241 will be used inthe campaign. The campaign data is then transmitted to thecoupon-generating engine 100 of the specified coupon generatingsubsystem 241 where the campaign data and associated rules are used togenerate coupons within the coupon-generating engine 100. Once the rulesand rewards are distributed to a coupon generating device, the coupongenerating devices can then operate autonomously and even off-line. Thatis, they are secure, following the rules that were set and then generatetokens for the lifespan of the campaign.

Generation of the coupons will also typically involve a securityoperation such as a digital signature or generation of cryptogram to beused to verify the authenticity of the coupon. This cryptographicelement can then be used subsequently to verify that a coupon wasgenerated by an authentic coupon generating subsystem 241 and optionallycan be linked to a specific instance of a mobile device or consumerusing the mobile device. Authenticity is especially important inverifying high value coupons to ensure that the system only generatesthe correct number of high value coupons as specified by the campaignowner 310.

Referring again to FIG. 3b , at 365 of FIG. 3b , one embodiment providesthe campaign having a set of rules from the campaign management systemto the coupon generating subsystem via the communication channel. At 370of FIG. 3b , one embodiment authorizes the coupon generating subsystemto independently generate a coupon based on the set of rules of thecampaign without requiring communication between the coupon generatingsubsystem and the campaign management system

For example, as shown in FIG. 3a , at Step 2.3, a coupon generatingsubsystem 241 a is activated. In general, activation occurs with datacommunication via a mobile device 202. For example, campaign owner 310uses a mobile device 202 with software for transmitting data between thecampaign management subsystem 205 and the coupon generating subsystem241 a. In one embodiment, data communication between the campaignmanagement subsystem 205 and mobile device 202 is via the Internet andcellular or Wi-Fi communications capability of the mobile device 202,and data communication between the mobile device 202 and coupongenerating subsystem 241 a is via ISO 14443 capability of the coupongenerating subsystem 241 a and NFC capability of the mobile device 202.

In Step 2.4, coupon generating subsystem 241 b is activated. In general,activation occurs with data communication from the campaign managementsubsystem 205 to the coupon generating subsystem 241 b via the Internetand the communications interface 229 capability of the coupon generatingsubsystem 241 b.

In Step 2.5, coupon generating subsystem 241 c is activated. In general,activation occurs with data communication from the campaign managementsubsystem 205 to the coupon generating subsystem 241 c via the Internetand the dedicated communications component 233 capability of the coupongenerating subsystem 241 c.

Step 2.6 involves activating the coupon generating subsystem 241 d withthe campaign management subsystem 205 communicating with the coupongenerating subsystem 241 d via the Internet and cellular datacommunications capability of the mobile device 202.

It should be appreciated that the setup process may be run at any pointduring the lifecycle of a campaign. For example, the campaign owner 310may choose to modify any or all of the rules of the campaign which hadbeen previously set within one or more of the coupon generatingsubsystem 241 a-d. This modification would result in the transmission ofthe new setup data to any of the affected coupon generating subsystem241.

Coupon Request and Retrieval

With reference now to FIG. 4a , a sequence diagram 400 depicting theretrieval of a coupon via consumer interactions with the various formsof coupon generating subsystem 241. In one embodiment, the operation ofsequence diagram 400 relies on a campaign that has previously been setup as illustrated in FIG. 3a . In FIG. 3a , mobile device 202 is adevice belonging to a consumer 410 who uses it to retrieve coupons fromone or more of the various coupon generating subsystems 241 a-241 d.

Referring also to FIG. 4b , a flowchart 450 for retrieving coupons fromthe coupon generating subsystem is shown in accordance with anembodiment. At 455 of FIG. 4b , one embodiment determines a mobiledevice is within a broadcast range of the coupon generating subsystem.At 460 of FIG. 4b , one embodiment queries the mobile device foridentifying information. At 465 of FIG. 4b , one embodiment transmits acoupon from the coupon generating subsystem to the mobile device.

For example, suppose campaign owner 310 wants to run a campaign, such asa coupon special or the like. In one embodiment, coupon generatingsubsystem 241 is located at the door, on the way into the store. When acustomer, passes the coupon generating subsystem 241, the customer usesher mobile device to interact with the coupon generating subsystem 241.For example, the interaction may be a near field communication (NFC), atap between the user's mobile device 202 and coupon generating subsystem241, or the like. The interacting allows coupon generating subsystem 241to tell the mobile device 202 to launch an application while alsodelivering an instant reward. In one embodiment, the instant reward isdelivered to the mobile device in less than a second.

In Step 3.0 a consumer 410 uses a mobile device to interact with coupongenerating subsystem 241. In one embodiment, the user launches a mobileapplication that contains software capable of interacting with coupongenerating subsystem 241. However, in another embodiment, theinteraction with coupon generating subsystem 241 launches an applicationon the user's mobile device in addition to providing an instant coupon.

At Step 3.0 b, one embodiment synchronizes any management data betweenthe campaign management subsystem 205 and the mobile device 202software, such as, but not limited to, reporting and management of acampaign, the coupon generating subsystem 241 and instances of mobiledevice 202 software that may be available. In one embodiment, step 3.0 bis optional or dependent on the availability of a connection between themobile device 202 and campaign management subsystem 205 at the timesynchronization is desired.

In Step 3.1 a and 3.1 b, software on the mobile device 202 communicateswith coupon generating subsystem 241 a via the NFC interface of themobile device 202 and via the 14443 mobile communications interface 227of the coupon generating subsystem 241 a to retrieve a coupon.

In Step 3.2 a and 3.2 b, software on the mobile device 202 communicateswith coupon generating subsystem 241 b via the NFC interface of themobile device 202 and via the 14443 mobile communications interface 227of the coupon generating subsystem 241 b to retrieve a coupon.

In Step 3.3 a, the coupon generating subsystem 241 c is broadcasting itscoupon-generating service, which the mobile device 202 software candetect, assuming the mobile device 202 has the necessary hardware (e.g.Bluetooth if coupon generating subsystem 241 c is broadcasting overBluetooth). In Step 3.3 b the software in the mobile device 202 respondsto the broadcast from Step 3.3 a and sends a coupon request to thecoupon generating subsystem 241 c via the communication interfacedefined in the broadcast. In Step 3.3 c the coupon generating subsystem241 c responds to the mobile device 202 by sending a coupon back via thecommunication interface set up in Step 3.3 b.

In Steps 3.4 a and 3.4 b software on the mobile device 202 invokes anAPI that requests and retrieves a coupon from the coupon generatingsubsystem 241 d.

Coupon Generation

As described previously, each coupon-generating engine 100 is capable ofgenerating coupons. The generation of the coupons is determined by therules set by the campaign owner 310 via the campaign managementsubsystem 205. The rules can be as simple as only setting the number andtypes of a coupon to be generated. Thus, one embodiment utilizes coupongenerating engine to generate the coupon based on the set of rules ofthe campaign and then utilizes a communications protocol to provide thecoupon from the coupon generating engine to a mobile device.

In one embodiment, if randomness is also chosen as a factor for thecoupon generation, additional rules will be included with desired oddsof generation, a probabilistic algorithm and random number generator 103in the coupon-generating engine 100 can then generate the randomizedcoupons according to those rules.

These rules can also include the ability to define coupon generationacross multiple coupon-generating engines such that a pool of a couponcan be segmented and targeted to specific coupon-generating engines orspanning multiple coupon-generating engines. For example, a campaignowner 310 may wish to offer a limited number of high value couponsacross multiple coupon-generating engines.

For example, campaign owner 310 may specify a total number of high valuecoupons to be offered which is less than the total number of targetedcoupon-generating engines. In one embodiment, some coupon-generatingengines will not be allowed to generate the high value coupons. In oneembodiment, the campaign management subsystem 205 relies on the campaignowner 310 to indicate which coupon-generating engine 100 will generatethe high value coupons and which will not.

In another embodiment where the campaign owner 310 wants to preserverandomness in the coupon generation process, the campaign managementsubsystem 205 could run a randomization routine to randomly select whichcoupon-generating engine 100 will be enabled to generate the highestvalue coupons. Any remaining coupon-generating engine 100 would receiverules that prevent them from generating the highest value coupons. Inyet another embodiment, more sophisticated processes may be used, suchas, where the rules are affected by additional data that is introducedinto the coupon generation process throughout the lifecycle of acampaign.

In yet another embodiment, each distributed individual coupon generatingsubsystem 241 has its own random rule set. Thus, the results and rewardsare specific to the particular coupon generating subsystem 241. Forexample, a random campaign may include rules such as: 1% of the peoplethat interact with the coupon generating device will receive a 40% offcoupon; 30% of the people that interact with the coupon generatingdevice will receive a 20% off coupon; and 69% of the people thatinteract with the coupon generating device will receive a 10% offcoupon. In other words, the campaign is similar to a sweepstakes.

In one embodiment, a random number generator is used at the coupongenerating subsystem 241 to run the random campaign. Thus, as a userinteracts with the coupon generating subsystem 241 the random numbergenerator on the coupon generating subsystem 241 provides a number inthe range of 1-100. If the number generated by the random numbergenerator in is 1 then the person receives a 40% off coupon. If thenumber generated by the random number generator is 2-31 then the personreceives a 30% off coupon, if the number generated by the random numbergenerator in the coupon generating device is 32-100 then the user willreceive a 10% off coupon.

One embodiment involves the linking of the time of day with the coupongeneration process such that specific coupons are generated at theprescribed times. In another embodiment, where randomness is a factor inthe coupon generation process, the odds of getting a higher value couponmay be greater or less at a particular time of day depending on thepreference of the campaign owner. The time data could be known by thecoupon-generating engine 100 as a result of using a clock internal tothe coupon-generating engine 100 or coupon generating subsystem 241. Inan alternative embodiment, the mobile device 202 provides anauthenticated time data retrieved from the campaign management subsystem205 and transmits it via mobile communications interface 227 to thecoupon-generating engine 100.

In another embodiment, consumer 410 interaction with coupon generatingsubsystem 241 includes the transmission to the coupon-generating engine100 of additional data such as profile data to indicate that consumer410 is a member of a separate loyalty program with the campaign owner oreven a first time user of the system. In one embodiment, thecoupon-generating engine 100 uses this additional data element in thecoupon generation process to generate a specific coupon or increase theodds of a higher value randomized coupon being generated at the timethat consumer retrieves a coupon. Similarly, using additional dataprovided by the mobile device 202, a coupon generating subsystem 241 candetermine if the same mobile device 202 was involved in previousinteractions and either reward consumer 410 or prevent distribution ofan additional coupon as set by campaign owner 310.

In yet another embodiment, the coupon generating subsystem 241 will keepcount of the number of consumer visits and release a special rewardbased on the nth visitor. One variation involves the coupon generatingsubsystem 241 using the RNG 103 to determine the value used for the“nth” visitor.

Another example involves rewarding the consumer for visiting multiplecoupon generating subsystems. For example, consumer 410 visits onecoupon generating subsystem 241 and collecting a digital coupon. Thedigital coupon is stored in the mobile device 202. Consumer 410 thenvisits a second coupon generating subsystem 241 and when retrieving acoupon therefrom, the data from the first coupon is shared with thesecond coupon generating subsystem 241. The second coupon generatingsubsystem 241 uses the additional data to generate a specific new couponor to increase the odds of a higher value coupon being generated.

Another example illustrates the retrieval of a coupon from an online website managed by the campaign owner 310. The online coupon was generatedby the coupon-generating engine 100 contained within the campaignmanagement subsystem 205. The consumer uses his mobile device 202 toretrieve the online coupon and is then rewarded for visiting asubsequent physical coupon-generating engine 100 due to the fact thatdata related to the online coupon is transmitted to the physicalcoupon-generating engine 100 visited by consumer 410. The physicalcoupon-generating engine 100 can validate the data from the onlinecoupon and alter its coupon generation result accordingly.

In one embodiment, the validation process is part of the overallredemption process and can involve control and counting of individualrewards and countdown of rewards that have been issued by the system,and the like. For example, a campaign may include two grand prizes suchas, for example, two bicycles. When a consumer wins one of the grandprizes, the campaign management subsystem 205 is notified of theredemption, such as during the validation. At that time, campaignmanagement subsystem 205 will update the campaign to note that only onebicycle remains. Similarly, when the second bicycle coupon is redeemed,the campaign management subsystem 205 will update the campaign to notethat both grand prizes have been awarded. As such, any additionalcoupons for the grand prize would not be awarded and any attempts toredeem a grand prize coupon would be flagged.

In yet another embodiment, viral distribution from one consumer toanother consumer could be set up in the rules to reward a consumer 410for sharing a coupon with her friends and family. For example, consumer1 retrieves a coupon from a coupon generating subsystem 241 and isencouraged to send that coupon to a friend or family member via someelectronic transmission means such as email, text messaging, etc.Consumer 2, who receives the coupon from consumer 1, uses his mobiledevice 202 and software thereon to store the coupon. In addition,consumer 2 visits another coupon generating subsystem 241 that isrunning the campaign from the first coupon. When consumer 2 interactswith a coupon generating subsystem 241, data from the first coupon istransmitted to the coupon generating subsystem 241. In one embodiment,the data is used to reward consumer 2 with a specific coupon or adjustthe odds of consumer 2 receiving a higher value coupon.

In addition, in the viral distribution scenario, consumer 1 will receivea reward for sharing his coupon. Although there are numerous ways thatthe rewards could be generated, in one embodiment the campaignmanagement subsystem 205 is notified of the coupon transfer by themobile device 202 and immediately generates a coupon and sends it toconsumer 1. Once consumer 2 shares consumer 1's coupon with a coupongenerating subsystem 241, an additional reward is delivered to consumer1.

For example, campaign management subsystem 205 is notified of consumer2's interaction with a coupon generating subsystem 241. The notificationcould occur via the mobile device 202, via the communications interface229 of the coupon generating subsystem 241 or the like. Oncenotification is received, the campaign management subsystem 205generates a coupon and sends it to consumer 1. That host-generatedcoupon could be of higher value or could be used by the first consumerto increase the odds of higher value coupon generation during a futureinteraction between consumer 1 and a coupon generating subsystem 241 inthe campaign.

In one embodiment, the coupon generation process may be linked to aninstant online purchase process whereby a coupon represents a voucherfor a purchase of a specific product or service. For example, thecoupon-generating engine 100 would generate the coupon with allpertinent purchase information from the campaign owner such as SKUnumber, price, delivery terms, etc. Consumer 410 would use their mobiledevice 202 to accept the terms of the coupon and combine that couponwith all necessary payment data such as stored credit card data in amobile application or references to online stored credit card data, andtransmit that coupon and associated data via the cellular or Wi-Fi radioof the mobile device 202 to campaign owner 310 online storefront tocomplete the purchase transaction. Such a process could be described asa “one tap purchase” or “one tap buy” for those implementations whereconsumer 410 is interacting with a coupon generating subsystem 241 viaNFC.

Although a number of embodiments for introducing data into the coupongeneration process to derive a wide variety of campaigns are discussed,the discussion is not exhaustive. It should also be noted that althoughthis example embodiment involves the use of smart phones as the mobiledevice 202 that is used by the consumer to retrieve the generatedcoupon, in another embodiment the coupon generating subsystem 241 isintegrated in a system that includes a paper printer and the result ofthe coupon generation is a paper coupon that is printed out for consumer410. Examples of the latter system type that could include an integratedcoupon-generating engine 100 include a kiosk or point-of-salecoupon-printing system and the like.

Coupon Generation Associated with Games-of-Chance

In another embodiment, traditional game-of-chance algorithms are used bythe coupon-generating engine 100 to generate coupons. For example, therandomization process could be based on game-of-chance elements such ascards, dice, spinning wheels, random number drawing, etc. As such, oneembodiment could include consumer 410 interacting with a coupongenerating subsystem 241 where consumer 410 is not aware of theunderlying algorithm used to generate a coupon but the algorithm happensto be a game-of-chance with standard distribution odds associated withthe game.

Alternatively, consumer 410 could engage with the coupon generatingsubsystem 241 with software that exposes a gaming experience as a partof the coupon generation process. For example, a coupon generatingsubsystem 241 a implements a slot machine engine and a mobile device 202has software that simulates the user experience of a video slot machinewhen consumer 410 interacts with the coupon generating subsystem 241 a.In one embodiment, the payout table that the slot machine is operatingagainst is set up by the campaign owner 310 as part of the rules in thecampaign management subsystem 205. The payouts are the coupons that areawarded by the coupon generating subsystem 241 a accordingly. As withthe previous descriptions where additional data can be introduced to thecoupon generating subsystem 241 to affect the outcome of coupongeneration process, the same would apply to coupon generation involvinggame-of-chance algorithms. For example, visiting multiple coupongenerating subsystems could result in consumer 410 being offered higherodds with successive visits to each additional coupon generatingsubsystem 241.

In another embodiment, virtual currencies such as loyalty points couldbe introduced into the coupon generation process where consumer 410 isallowed to wager in the interaction with the coupon generating subsystem241. For example, consumer 410 will accumulate a larger number ofloyalty points that can then be exchanged for high value coupons. Thisexchange could occur via the coupon generating subsystem 241 or throughthe campaign management subsystem 205.

Pre-Generated Coupons

In another embodiment, coupon-generating engine 100 contained within thecampaign management subsystem 205 is used to generate a large number ofa coupon of differing values and securely load those coupons into coupongenerating subsystem 241 for distribution. In so doing, thepre-generated coupons may be distributed by the coupon generatingsubsystem 241.

Coupon Verification

FIG. 5a is a sequence diagram 500 used to verify the authenticity of acoupon. As stated herein, verifying the authenticity of generatedcoupons is an important aspect of the technology. In one embodiment, thecoupon includes some cryptographic element such as a signature that wassecurely generated by the coupon-generating engine 100 during the coupongeneration process by the coupon-generating engine 100.

Referring also to FIG. 5b , a flowchart 550 depicting the verificationof a generated coupon is shown in accordance with an embodiment. At 555of FIG. 5b , one embodiment receives a coupon transferred from acustomer mobile device to a mobile device associated with the campaign.At 560 of FIG. 5b , one embodiment utilizes the mobile device associatedwith the campaign to perform a validation of the coupon. At 565 of FIG.5b , one embodiment honors a valid coupon. At 570 of FIG. 5b , oneembodiment denies an invalid coupon or a coupon that has been previouslyredeemed.

For example, with reference again to FIG. 5a , one embodiment of couponverification involves the transfer of a coupon from a consumer to anemployee 510 of the campaign owner 310 associated with a campaign(Campaign Employee) who is then able to transfer the coupon to thecampaign management subsystem 205 for verification. The campaignmanagement subsystem 205 is then used as the central verification systemfor coupons as specified by the campaign owner 310. Once a coupon issubmitted to the campaign management subsystem 205 for verification andverification is confirmed, that particular coupon will be rejected ifsubmitted again. This central verification system is used to verify highvalue coupons to prevent fraud.

For example, in Step 4.1 a consumer 410 uses his mobile device 202 totransfer a previously acquired coupon, to the employee 510 mobile device502 for verification.

In Step 4.1 b employee 510 uses a mobile device 502 to transmit thecoupon to the campaign management subsystem 205 which is then able toverify the authenticity of the coupon.

For lower value coupons, it's possible that a campaign owner 310 mayrely on systems that have components similar to a coupon-generatingengine 100 but are designed to verify coupons rather than generate them.One embodiment involves a coupon verification card 510 (vCard) that is aplastic card that has the same hardware components as a coupongenerating subsystem 241 a but includes software that is used to verifycoupons. In this example, consumer 410 attempts to redeem a coupon withan employee 510 of the campaign by transferring the coupon from theconsumer's mobile device 202 to a mobile device 502 under the control ofthe employee 510. Employee 510 uses software on his mobile device 502 toverify the coupon via NFC-to-14443 communication between the mobiledevice 502 and vCard 510.

For example, in Step 4.2 a consumer 410 uses his mobile device 202 totransfer a previously acquired coupon, to the mobile device 502 ofemployee 510 for verification.

In Step 4.2 b, employee 510 uses mobile device 502 to transfer thecoupon to a vCard 510 which is then able to verify the authenticity ofthe coupon.

The present technology may be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Thepresent technology may also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotecomputer-storage media including memory-storage devices.

The foregoing Description of Embodiments is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form described.Instead, example embodiments in this Description of Embodiments havebeen presented in order to enable persons of skill in the art to makeand use embodiments of the described subject matter. Moreover, variousembodiments have been described in various combinations. However, anytwo or more embodiments may be combined. Although some embodiments havebeen described in a language specific to structural features and/ormethodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matterdefined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to thespecific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific featuresand acts described above are disclosed by way of illustration and asexample forms of implementing the claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for electronically delivering couponsvia a coupon generating subsystem to a plurality of mobile devices viagaming sessions experienced on the mobile devices, the coupon generatingsubsystem including (i) a coupon generating engine having a centralprocessing unit, a random number generator, and a memory, and (ii) amobile communications interface, each mobile device including (i) acontactless communications interface, (ii) a display, and (iii)application software that displays results of a game of chance, themethod comprising: (a) storing in the memory of the coupon generatingsubsystem a set of rules associated with delivery of the coupons fromthe coupon generating subsystem to the mobile devices, wherein the setof rules include a payout table that determines the value of couponsthat are delivered; (b) automatically initiating a gaming session on oneof the mobile devices using the application software in the mobiledevice upon detection by the contactless communications interface thatthe mobile device is within a broadcast range of the coupon generatingsubsystem, wherein communications for the gaming session occurs usingthe contactless communications interface of the mobile device and themobile communications interface of the coupon generating subsystem; (c)displaying the gaming session on the display of the mobile device,wherein the gaming session uses the random number generator and centralprocessing unit to generate a result for the game of chance using thepayout table in the memory, the result determining the value of a couponto be electronically delivered via the coupon generating subsystem tothe mobile device; and (d) electronically delivering the coupon from thecoupon generating subsystem to the mobile device.
 2. The method of claim1 wherein the game of chance is a video slot machine experience.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the contactless communications interface is aNear Field Communication (NFC) interface.
 4. The method of claim 1further comprising: (f) generating by the coupon generating engine adigital signature or cryptogram of each generated coupon and associatingthe digital signature or cryptogram with each generated coupon forsubsequent use in verifying the authenticity of the coupon.
 5. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the coupon generating engine is a computer ona chip embedded in packaging.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein thecommunications for the gaming session uses a communications protocolselected from the group consisting of: a Near Field Communication (NFC)protocol, a Wi-Fi communication protocol, a Bluetooth communicationprotocol, and a sound wave communication protocol.
 7. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the mobile devices are selected from the groupconsisting of: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, anotebook computer, and a personal digital assistant.
 8. A distributedsystem for electronically delivering coupons comprising: (a) a coupongenerating subsystem including: (i) a coupon generating engine having acentral processing unit, a random number generator, and a memory, and(ii) a mobile communications interface; (b) a plurality of mobiledevices, each mobile device including: (i) a contactless communicationsinterface, (ii) a display, and (iii) application software that displaysresults of a game of chance, wherein the coupon generating subsystem isconfigured to electronically deliver the coupons to the plurality ofmobile devices via gaming sessions experienced on the mobile devices,wherein the memory of the coupon generating subsystem stores a set ofrules associated with delivery of the coupons from the coupon generatingsubsystem to the mobile devices, the set of rules including a payouttable that determines the value of coupons that are delivered, whereinthe application software in each of the mobile devices is configured toautomatically initiate a gaming session on the mobile device upondetection by the contactless communications interface that the mobiledevice is within a broadcast range of the coupon generating subsystem,and wherein communications for the gaming session occurs using thecontactless communications interface of the mobile device and the mobilecommunications interface of the coupon generating subsystem, wherein theapplication software in the mobile device is further configured todisplay the gaming session on the display of a mobile device, andwherein during the gaming session, the random number generator and thecentral processing unit generate a result for the game of chance usingthe payout table in the memory, the result determining the value of acoupon to be electronically delivered via the coupon generatingsubsystem to the mobile device.
 9. The distributed system of claim 8wherein the game of chance is a video slot machine experience.
 10. Thedistributed system of claim 8 wherein the contactless communicationsinterface is a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface.
 11. Thedistributed system of claim 8 wherein the coupon generating engine isconfigured to generate a digital signature or cryptogram of eachgenerated coupon and to associate the digital signature or cryptogramwith each generated coupon for subsequent use in verifying theauthenticity of the coupon.
 12. The distributed system of claim 8wherein the coupon generating engine is a computer on a chip embedded inpackaging.
 13. The distributed system of claim 8 wherein thecommunications for the gaming session uses a communications protocolselected from the group consisting of: a Near Field Communication (NFC)protocol, a Wi-Fi communication protocol, a Bluetooth communicationprotocol, and a sound wave communication protocol.
 14. The distributedsystem of claim 8 wherein the mobile devices are selected from the groupconsisting of: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, anotebook computer, and a personal digital assistant.
 15. A method forelectronically delivering coupons via a plurality of coupon generatingsubsystems to a plurality of mobile devices via gaming sessionsexperienced on the mobile devices, each coupon generating subsystemincluding (i) a coupon generating engine having a central processingunit, a random number generator, and a memory, and (ii) a communicationsinterface, each mobile device including (i) a mobile devicecommunications interface, (ii) a display, and (iii) application softwarethat displays results of a game of chance, and wherein each of thecoupon generating subsystems is an integrated component of a respectivemobile device, the method comprising: (a) storing in the memory of thecoupon generating subsystem a set of rules associated with delivery ofthe coupons from the coupon generating subsystem to the mobile devices,wherein the set of rules include a payout table that determines thevalue of coupons that are delivered; (b) initiating a gaming session onone of the mobile devices using the application software in the mobiledevice, wherein communications for the gaming session occurs using thecommunications interface of the mobile device and the communicationsinterface of the coupon generating subsystem; (c) displaying the gamingsession on the display of the mobile device, wherein the gaming sessionuses the random number generator and central processing unit to generatea result for the game of chance using the payout table in the memory,the result determining the value of a coupon to be electronicallydelivered via the coupon generating subsystem to the mobile device; and(d) electronically delivering the coupon from the coupon generatingsubsystem to the mobile device.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein theintegrated component is selected from the group consisting of: aSubscriber Identifier Module (SIM) installed within the mobile device,an embedded component of the mobile device, and a plug-in component thatinstalls in an accessory slot of the mobile device.
 17. The method ofclaim 15 wherein the game of chance is a video slot machine experience.18. The method of claim 15 wherein the coupon generating engine isconfigured to generate a digital signature or cryptogram of eachgenerated coupon and to associate the digital signature or cryptogramwith each generated coupon for subsequent use in verifying theauthenticity of the coupon.
 19. The method of claim 15 wherein thecoupon generating engine is a computer on a chip embedded in packaging.20. The method of claim 15 wherein the mobile devices are selected fromthe group consisting of: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptopcomputer, a notebook computer, and a personal digital assistant.
 21. Adistributed system for electronically delivering coupons comprising: (a)a plurality of coupon generating subsystems, each coupon generatingsubsystem including: (i) a coupon generating engine having a centralprocessing unit, a random number generator, and a memory, and (ii) acommunications interface; (b) a plurality of mobile devices, each mobiledevice including: (i) a mobile device communications interface, (ii) adisplay, and (iii) application software that displays results of a gameof chance, wherein each of the coupon generating subsystems is anintegrated component of a respective mobile device, wherein the coupongenerating subsystem is configured to electronically deliver the couponsto the plurality of mobile devices via gaming sessions experienced onthe mobile devices, wherein the memory of the coupon generatingsubsystem stores a set of rules associated with delivery of the couponsfrom the coupon generating subsystem to the mobile devices, the set ofrules including a payout table that determines the value of coupons thatare delivered, wherein the application software in each of the mobiledevices is configured to initiate a gaming session on the mobile device,and wherein communications for the gaming session occurs using thecommunications interface of the mobile device and the communicationsinterface of the coupon generating subsystem, wherein the applicationsoftware in the mobile device is further configured to display thegaming session on the display of a mobile device, and wherein during thegaming session, the random number generator and the central processingunit generate a result for the game of chance using the payout table inthe memory, the result determining the value of a coupon to beelectronically delivered via the coupon generating subsystem to themobile device.
 22. The distributed system of claim 21 wherein theintegrated component is selected from the group consisting of: aSubscriber Identifier Module (SIM) installed within the mobile device,an embedded component of the mobile device, and a plug-in component thatinstalls in an accessory slot of the mobile device.
 23. The distributedsystem of claim 21 wherein the game of chance is a video slot machineexperience.
 24. The distributed system of claim 21 wherein the coupongenerating engine is configured to generate a digital signature orcryptogram of each generated coupon and to associate the digitalsignature or cryptogram with each generated coupon for subsequent use inverifying the authenticity of the coupon.
 25. The distributed system ofclaim 21 wherein the coupon generating engine is a computer on a chipembedded in packaging.
 26. The distributed system of claim 21 whereinthe mobile devices are selected from the group consisting of: a mobilephone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, and apersonal digital assistant.